'Uncomfortable to watch now': Anchor Lorraine Kelly recalls Russell Brand calling her a 'slut' on TV
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lorraine Kelly is presently wedded to Steve Smith, her husband of nearly 29 years. Their marriage took place in 1992, and they made their home in Berkshire, situated just outside of London.
Despite their lengthy marriage, Steve Smith chooses to maintain a low public profile and avoids the spotlight.
Lorraine Kelly recalls uncomfortable encounter with Russell Brand
Lorraine Kelly recollected an incident when Russell Brand referred to her as 'a slut' during a television talk show appearance.
Reflecting on their joint participation in a 2007 episode of 'The Graham Norton Show', Lorraine acknowledged that watching it now feels uncomfortable.
On her Wednesday morning ITV program, 'Lorraine', she was joined by ITV UK news editor Paul Brand and The Mirror editor Alison Phillips to converse about the latest developments related to Brand.
The British comedian faces allegations of rape and sexual assault following an investigation by The Sunday Times and Channel 4, published last Saturday, September 16
Brand has vehemently denied these accusations, but the BBC, Channel 4, and production company Banijay have initiated investigations into his conduct, while the Metropolitan Police states that it is examining a complaint received over the weekend.
ITV editor Paul said on Wednesday's 'Lorraine' that his "old jokes now look like confessions".
Lorraine proceeded to remember her numerous television encounters with Brand, elaborating on them, "I interviewed him a lot over that time when he was in the public eye."
"I usually got the charming Russell the flirty Russell but I have been doing this a long time and I would like to think there was a tiny bit of respect there, maybe. Although this happened."
Lorraine reflects on 'uncomfortable' encounter with Russell Brand
Lorraine then played a clip from 'The Graham Norton Show' in 2007 featuring herself and Brand. In the video, Russell can be seen touching Lorraine's leg and exclaiming, "Oh my god, you're wearing suspenders. I have been in other films, but none of that matters now I know Lorraine Kelly is a s**t."
Reflecting on the clip in the studio, Lorraine acknowledged, "That’s uncomfortable to watch now, it absolutely is. Just to clarify, for the record, I was not wearing suspenders at all."
She continued, "He was laughing, I was laughing. It’s difficult looking back on it, and now I probably would have said something, but it’s an entertainment show, that was his shtick."
"That's what he was not just doing but actively encouraged to do. It's not that long ago, not really," she added.
"I do wonder if I would have put up with that now. I do wonder if we are in a different place now and if it even would have been aired."
Brand is facing additional allegations of controlling, abusive, and predatory behavior following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches.
Both Channel 4 and the BBC have initiated internal investigations into separate accusations of predatory behavior towards staff and audience members during Brand's tenure.
Former staff members have asserted that Brand instructed them to obtain contact information from women in the audience and pass notes to them on his behalf, prompting them to "act like pimps."
Brand vehemently denies all allegations, maintaining that all relationships were consensual.